ST. GEORGE — A former Utah Army National Guard recruiter in southern Utah has been charged with sexually assaulting a college student and a high school teenager.
Thomas William Tobin III, 50, of Hurricane, was charged last week with two counts of rape, a first-degree felony; and unlawful sexual conduct with a 17-year-old girl, a third-degree felony. The charges were filed in 5th District Court under seal until Tobin could be taken into custody.
The Washington County Attorney's Office confirmed that Tobin was arrested Monday night.
"The defendant used his position of authority and trust to prey on vulnerable individuals who were simply trying to serve their country. His actions are a betrayal of both his oath and the people he was entrusted to lead. No one is above the law and we will pursue this case with the full weight of our office. We thank law enforcement for their coordination and efforts to bring him into custody," the office said in a statement to KSL.com.
One woman was a student at Dixie State College when she was recruited by Tobin. She was later kicked out of her home and moved in with Tobin in 2011 to work as a nanny for his children, according to charging documents.
While living with Tobin, she was sexually assaulted by him twice, the charges allege.
"(Tobin) claimed that said relationship was consensual, but also admitted that he held a position of authority over (the woman)," according to the court documents.
In 2012, a 17-year-old girl still in high school, who "although not directly recruited by (Tobin) was friends with an individual that was being recruited by (him)," also engaged in sexual relations at Tobin's home," the charges state.
